Digital Africa continues to forge ahead. With the Youth Startup programme launched by the African Union and Afreximbank, dozens of African start-ups are benefiting from an unprecedented springboard. Training, mentoring, networking with investors.. The initiative is taking on a new dimension at IATF 2025, held this year in Algeria. Among them is a local start-up specialising in EdTech, which focuses on practical training in cutting-edge technologies such as 4G and 5G.
Launched in 2021 in Durban and strengthened in Cairo in 2023, the Youth Startup Program has become a permanent pillar of the IATF. In 2025, in partnership with Afreximbank and the Algerian government, the program is supporting 75 young companies through sponsored stands, mentoring, and exposure to more than 35,000 participants. Among them is an Algerian start-up offering training in 4G, 5G, and IMS, with a unique hands-on approach that uses an interactive terminal enabling students to immediately apply the concepts they learn.
« We offer online courses. What makes these courses unique is that we offer practical training, so you have definitions, calculators and a terminal to practise the calculations and lessons we offer.»
Sarah Kaced, Head of the Lablabee Start-up – Algeria
Digital solutions in health, agriculture, education and digital inclusion are transforming the continent today. According to the World Bank, Africa’s digital economy could be worth 180 billion dollars by 2025, representing more than 5% of GDP. The firm Ebanx forecasts digital commerce to reach $72 billion in 2026, and Tech in Africa estimates e-commerce to be worth USD 46 billion by 2025, with annual growth of close to 25%.
These dynamics are part of Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA, which aim to create an integrated digital market. Through the Youth Startup programme and the Smart Africa alliance, the African Union supports young entrepreneurs, stimulates innovation and builds competitive digital ecosystems to position Africa on the world stage.
“I think it’s very important to bring African start-ups together more and more often at events of this magnitude, as it gives these start-ups prospects and allows them to enter new markets, particularly on the African continent.”
Noureddine Ouadah , Minister of Knowledge Economy – Algeria
«The impact is real because start-ups represent innovation, the future and employment. Inviting these start-ups here is like showcasing the African continent.
Nathanael MANDAKONDJI, Data Scientist – Mali
Now, thanks to Agenda 2063, the AfCFTA and initiatives such as Youth Startup, Africa is establishing itself as a key player in its own digital revolution
